My Grandma's Ham and Navy Bean Soup

Today I made ham and navy bean soup for the first time. My grandma used to make it when my mom was growing up. It is one of my favorite meals that my mom makes. So it was time I learned how to make it for myself, especially since I'm in Michigan and my mom is in Maryland. Last week I bought a spiral sliced ham and we ate ham sandwiches on homemade rolls. Then I used the ham bone and some leftover ham to make the following recipe. It really wasn't hard- you just need a ham bone! The pictures don't do this comforting meal justice...

Grandma Doescher's Ham and Navy Bean Soup
Sort through 1 lb dried navy beans to make sure they all look ok (Grandma never skipped this step). Rinse in a colander. Put beans and ham bone in a large pot. Cover with approximately 8 cups water. There should be no more than 1-2 inches of water above the beans or you will have too much liquid.

To the pot add 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp yellow mustard, and pepper. Bring to a simmer (not a boil) over medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 4 hours on low heat. Make sure it is simmering, but not boiling.

After 4 hours, saute 1/2 large onion (finely chopped) in 1 tablespoon butter in a 2 qt saucepan.
Add 2-3 Yukon gold potatoes (cubed) to the onions and ladle enough broth from the soup to cover the potatoes. Simmer with the lid on for 10-15 minutes. Don't let the potatoes get mushy!
Next you need 2-3 cups of cubed ham. Combine the potatoes, broth with beans, and ham to make a delicious bowl of soup. I like to keep the potatoes and ham separate from the broth until right before serving.

The secret ingredient: a cap-full of vinegar to your bowl

It is sooooo yummy!